By Jennifer Joyce
What newly released animated movie has a celebrity-studded voiceover cast, colorful jungle characters and a microscopic world that lives on a clover? Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who,” of course.
For two weekends in a row, this beloved children’s story has topped the box office charts and captured the hearts of families everywhere. In its reviews, the film has generally received positive feedback from the critics. With an outstanding cast, beautiful animation and a poignant storyline, “Horton Hears a Who” will please children, teenagers and adults alike.
Based on the classic Dr. Seuss book by the same name, the Horton the elephant and his exciting adventures in the Jungle of Nool is told. One day while relaxing, he hears a small cry for help that comes from a speck of dust that falls on top of a clover. Even though Horton can’t see anyone, he believes that there are people on that speck, and tries to communicate by using his mighty voice.
It is soon learned that living on the speck are the Whos and their town is called Whoville. The Mayor is the first Who to make contact with Horton, telling him that disaster will hit Whoville if they can’t find a stable home. Horton decides to help the Whos by finding them a secure spot in the jungle out of harm’s way.
While Horton is trying to protect the speck, there are others in the jungle determined to sabotage his efforts. They can’t hear the Whos and think Horton has lost his mind. Led by the Sour Kangaroo, these creatures try to stop Horton from completing his mission by taking away the clover and boiling it in a cauldron of beezlenut oil. Horton works to convince the jungle animals that they are wrong and save Whoville, ultimately proving that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”
The voiceover cast is superb. From the largest animal to the smallest Who, each voice is successful in bringing their characters to life. In the lead is Jim Carrey, who stars in his second Dr. Seuss film as the voice of Horton.
Once again, Carrey is hilarious, making Horton lovable through the use of his highly skilled comedic voice.
The other lead in this cast is Steve Carell, the voice of the Mayor. Carell is also quite funny, and viewers can imagine him on the screen doing everything his quirky character does. Overall, this all-star cast is perfect in each of their roles. Other voices include Carol Burnett as the Sour Kangaroo, Seth Rogan as Morton, Jonah Hill as Tommy, and star of “Saturday Night Live’s” Amy Poehler as the Mayor’s wife, Sally.
The animation is top notch. Made by the creators of “Ice Age” and “Robots,” the characters and each of their worlds are designed in vivid colors and amazing detail. In fact, the animation is so well done that it seems as though the entire book leaps off the pages right onto the movie screen. The audience feels as if they are right inside each of the two worlds, living in Dr. Seuss’ imagination with all the tricks and gimmicks he created.
The latest gem in a long line of animated treasures, “Horton Hears a Who” is a heartwarming film that will keep one completely entertained from beginning to end. There is something for everyone. Kids will love the sweet characters, teens will appreciate the first-rate animation while adults will ponder the many powerful messages delivered throughout the film.

Voiced by Steve Carell, the Mayor of Whoville presents the long, proud lineage of mayors in his family. (allmoviephoto.com)